News from Abbey Ward, Nuneaton

1.16.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 15th Aug 2007

Mish Whitmore, Liberal Democrat candidate for Abbey Ward in Nuneaton

Nuneaton and North Warwickshire Liberal Democrats have announced Mish Whitmore as their candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Nuneaton's Abbey ward.

The by-election has been called due to the death of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough's only Liberal Democrat Councillor, Pete Ashby. Mish worked alongside Councillor Ashby for a long time and, although it is a baton she did not wish to receive under such circumstances, Mish is ready for the race to be elected as councillor for Abbey ward.

Mish is married with two children, and is employed by Partners the Stationers in Nuneaton as deputy manager. Mish is involved in a variety of community work, especially with young people. She developed an interest in politics mainly as a result of her dissatisfaction with Nuneaton and

Bedworth Borough Council and is well-known locally for having formed the successful "Wheelie Smart" campaign that put a stop to the reduction of local rubbish collection from weekly to fortnightly.

Mish is delighted to have been selected Liberal Democrat candidate for this by-election. She said, "this is my home; Abbey is where my family and I were born and brought up. My family has lived here for generations and it would mean so much to me to represent the people of this ward. Abbey is the focus of my daily life: it is where I shop, where my daughter goes to nursery, my family and friends live here. I want to make a difference to the lives of its people, to make them happier and more comfortable in their surroundings. I know it is possible, and I know I can do it by following in Pete Ashby's footsteps."

Dilys Ashby, Councillor Ashby's widow said, "I am really pleased that Mish is the candidate. I know that she will continue the work that Peter had been doing, making our area safer and nicer. At the last election, Mish lost by only 54 votes: I have real hope that she can win this time; the area needs someone like her."